We headed off on one of our favorite quick getaways to Seattle. We have done this one several times so we have it down to a fine oiled machine . . . Which is nothing like our traveling companions car. We made our way to the Children's Museum in Everett where our kids love all of the different theme rooms. Josh is either trying to figure out how things work or is busy building things. He especially liked building with the foam bricks and trying to surround himself so that he could eventually explode through the walls . . . Much to the horror of some of the parents with really small kids. Jamie was busy at the ball tube machine and of course the water room. Spraying water and hanging from the chains to get the waterwheel moving peaked his interest. The more physical, action packed, and messy the activity the more he engages and explores . . . Better here than in my house. Emma is much more gentler in her play than the boys. She loved the pizzaria room where she served pasta, pizza and of course dessert. She also loves the pretend farm house, where she can drive a tractor and climb onto a stuffed bull. All in all a good time had by all with no glitches for us at least.
Our next stop was for a quick bite to eat at Brooklyn's Pizzaria . . . I was the only one in the family that was going to eat, but I was not going to pass up the opportunity to grab a slice for the road. Yes, it is that good and when Michelle took a bite of my lunch, she was regretting not getting her own, as was I (those of you that know Mich, she always has to have a small bite or sip of everything that I have . . . That is why I can often be found snacking in my solitary spot, which happens to be my garage).
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| The bigger the mess, the more that it moves, the more I like it! |
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| Always the builder trying to figure things out. |
Next stop, the hotel and a quick dip in the pool.
I must say that going to the pool for the first time was probably my favourite moment of the trip. I feel that I need to explain a few things about Michelle and swimming.
1. Michelle only swims in warm bath water
2. Maximum stay in the pool is about as long as it takes her to find the hot tub.
3. Apparently she has a condition that does not allow her to swim in cool water, so that is why it is one of my responsibilities.
4. Michelle has convinced the kids that there are always two pools, a cold pool and a hot pool.
So, when the kids went down to the pool with Michelle as I was getting a few things organised and grabbing us a coffee, she was already standing on the stairs with Emma in the water as I walked in. I felt that the kids were in good hands and Captain Canada and I took a seat on the loungers at the far end of the pool. As we sat there chatting it was soon disrupted by a disgruntled hotel patronage that yelled, "What? There is no hot tub here? Lisa come on! What were you thinking??" this shriek from Michelle brought about a big smile from me as I looked over to Michelle still standing on the stairs with Emma. I decided to pretend that I was still drinking my coffee which brought about the smiling, but stern voice of Michelle stating that it was my turn to go into the pool . . . I could tell that the Incredible Hulk was slowly returning, so I let her sweat it out a bit and gave her a break from the pool. I must say that I did enjoy those five minutes of Michelle squirming in the luke warm pool with the kids. Let's just say that it was her first and last swim of the weekend.
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| It's the three headed monster!!! schwartzchronicles.com |
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One of the things that we continue to do when we are away is hit the local Chuck E Cheese. The kids love playing the games for the tickets so that they can choose out their little prize from the counter. I know, I know, it would be a lot cheaper to head to the local dollar store and buy them the little trinket that they win, but they do enjoy playing the games, but more importantly figure out what they can get. I must admit that I always make myself scarce at this time and leave Michelle to deal with the boys and Emma at "The Counter". I find it quite painful myself watching them trying to figure out what to get with their 140 points . . . yes there is a math activity here, but by this point of the night, I am ready to head on back to the hotel.
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It is funny how when your life takes on a new focus, you become hyper aware of certain things. What I mean by this is . . . it was like when I was buying our truck, it seemed like everywhere I looked there was an Xterra driving down the street, even though I never took notice of them before. So where is this rambling going you ask . . . well, ever since Josh has taken to chess it seems like these giant chess boards are everywhere. They are at the mall, the food court in Seattle, the Pacific Science Center . . . they are everywhere. The boys decided to take the time to have a chess game while others looked on, which was great timing because there were a few hungry mouths to feed. Emma is funny sometimes because of what she likes and what she does not like. For example, at the Vancouver Aquarium she would not watch the dolphin show as she told us, "I no like the dolphins". At the Science Center in Seattle, she wanted no part of the butterfly room as she said, "too hot, lets get out". She is a girl who knows what she likes and what she does not like and there is no changing her mind.
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| I really need to get back to the gym!! schwartzchronicles.com |
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Jamie is beginning to understand the game a lot more as he learns from his big brother
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The next morning, we said our goodbyes to the Schwakida's and headed to one of my favourite stopovers, Sky High Sports. The kids love the trampolines, but I think I actually enjoy them more than the kids. At one point, Michelle was jumping with Emma, the boys were playing dodgeball, and I was having a blast jumping by myself. I would like to say that I was doing it for the exercise, but really the exercise was secondary to my own enjoyment. One thing that I love about spending time with the kids is watching their confidence grow and their willingness to try new things. Emma loved the foam pit and doing some new tricks on the tramps. While the boys tried some flips on the tramps and into the foam pit, but spent most of their time playing dodgeball with the bigger kids. I love the fact that the kids are so active and enjoy being active in so many different ways.
Another awesome Schwakida adventure to one of our favourite places. Thanks again to Captain Canada for taking some amazing pictures for us to capture our time together.
